Not many people these days will reach their sapphire anniversary marking but this is something that an Ipswich couple have reached this month.

Ipswich Star: Barbara and Ted Newland are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNBarbara and Ted Newland are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Barabara and Ted Newland met at an open air Christian meeting in the summer of 1951 in Lewisham in London.

Barbara was 22 and Ted 24 when the two got married just a year later.

The couple moved to Ipswich in 1966 when Ted’s job was transferred to Suffolk.

Once in Ipswich Ted worked for as a porter and caretaker at places such as Anglesea Road Hospital, St Margaret’s School and the Corders shop.

In 1995 the couple, who have one son, one daughter and two grandaughters, retired to Stowmarket.

Now 65 years after meeting in London the couple are still together and live in Asterbury Place carehome where they marked their anniversary with friends and family.